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Background: Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is widely used in aesthetic medicine for skin tightening and rejuvenation. However, its role in regenerative aesthetics and its precise mechanism of action are not fully understood., Objective: This narrative review aims to contextualize and articulate the mechanism of action of MFU-V, evaluate its role in regenerative aesthetics, and assess its effectiveness based on existing clinical, histological, and skin-mechanical studies., Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to collect and analyze studies on MFU's biological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration. The review integrates findings from clinical trials, histological analyses, and biomechanical assessments to provide a cohesive understanding of MFU-V's role in aesthetic medicine., Results: MFU-V emits focused ultrasound energy that penetrates multiple skin layers and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, creating localized thermal coagulation points. These points initiate biological responses that recruit fibroblasts and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. Enhanced ECM protein synthesis leads to significant improvements in skin biomechanics and quality, reducing skin laxity and enhancing appearance. Clinical studies support these findings, showing improvements in skin firmness and texture following MFU-V treatment., Conclusion: Through analyzing the underlying biological mechanisms and the observable clinical outcomes, this narrative review sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of action and role of MFU-V in regenerative aesthetics., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Q-switched (QS) Nd: YAG laser is one of the treatment options for solar lentigines (SLs). However, the incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common complication, especially in dark-complexioned skin. Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (ITR) has been reported as a preventive modality for ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation., Aims: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ITR for the prevention of laser-induced PIH., Patients/methods: A randomized, evaluator-blinded study including 24 subjects with SLs was conducted. Three SLs of each patient were randomized into three groups, which were to apply ITR twice daily, once daily, and no application for 2 weeks. Thereafter, 532-nm QS Nd: YAG laser was performed. Incidence of laser-induced PIH, relative melanin index (RMI), mean luminance score (L*), hyperpigmentation score, and adverse events were recorded for 2 months post-laser., Results: The incidence of PIH at the 4th week after laser treatment was significantly lower in the ITR twice-daily group compared to the no-application group (20.83% vs. 50%, p = 0.028). There was no statistically significant difference in RMI, mean L*, and hyperpigmentation score between treatments at all visits. No serious adverse events were reported regarding ITR application and laser treatment., Conclusion: Two-week application of ITR prior to QS: Nd YAG laser treatment may potentially reduce the incidence of PIH. A longer duration of application, including after the laser procedure, may be more beneficial for the prevention of laser-induced PIH., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Exosomes have gained attention for their potential in skin rejuvenation. Currently, most exosome products are available for topical administration, and the use of subdermal injection as a route of administration has not been approved., Aims: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of skin necrosis that occurred following an intradermal injection of lyophilized exosomes., Materials and Methods: We hereby report a case of a middle-aged man who experienced adverse effects after receiving an intradermal injection of lyophilized exosomes. Multiple injections of an exosome product were administered to treat enlarged facial pores. Shortly after the injection, the patient felt pain and noticed several dark red bumps. Three days after injection, the lesions transformed into palpable, painful, non-blanchable purplish papules and nodules, accompanied by central, tiny crusted erosions. The residual product was injected into the upper arm using an intradermal method. Similar lesions also appeared, and a skin biopsy showed necrotic keratinocytes, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and eccrine necrosis., Results: There are few reports available regarding complications, especially those related to intradermal exosomes. These complications include multiple foreign-body granulomatous reactions at the injection sites. In our case, oral prednisolone was administered for a duration of 7 days. After the treatment, the lesions exhibited notable improvement, eventually leaving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation., Conclusion: Utilizing exosomes through unapproved methods should be avoided due to the possibility of adverse reactions that could cause aesthetic issues., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The unique anatomy of the Asian face, along with the influence of cultural forces and regional preferences, has led to the development of specialized approaches to rejuvenation and beautification that are applicable to the aesthetic practice within Asia as well as those who serve these patients internationally., Aims: To discuss similarities and differences in anatomy and treatment preferences of Asian patients and explore how these differences may influence aesthetic practices., Patients/methods: In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a six-part international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021 to May 16, 2022., Results: The results of the sixth and final roundtable in the series, the Asian Patient, are described here. Anatomical differences and their influence on treatment preferences are discussed, and specific procedural information provided for management of facial shape and projection, including advanced injection techniques for the eyelid-forehead complex., Conclusions: The continued exchange of ideas and treatment techniques support not only optimal aesthetic outcomes for a diverse range of patients within a given practice, but also the evolution of aesthetic medicine. The expert approaches detailed here may be used to inform treatment plans tailored to the Asian population., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The experience of pain during microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treatment is common and crucial for dictating patient satisfaction and retention., Objective: To compare the pain perception during the MFU-V procedure between two pain reduction methods (topical anesthesia alone versus combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling)., Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A square area on the inner side of both arms of healthy volunteers was marked as an experimental site and randomly assigned to receive each pain reduction method: topical anesthesia or combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling. Thereafter, MFU-V was performed with a 4.5 MHz, 4.5 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.9 J) followed by a 7 MHz, 3.0 mm transducer (10 lines, 0.3 J). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was measured immediately after 4.5 mm transducer (T1a), immediately after 3.0 mm transducer (T1b), and after the entire procedure (T2)., Results: Twenty-one participants with a mean (SD) age of 34.67 (±6.18) years were enrolled. The mean (±SD) pain score of combined topical anesthesia with forced air cooling-treated area was 5.40 (±1.64), 4.80 (±1.63), and 5.40 (±1.56) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. The mean pain score for topical anesthesia-treated areas was 5.89 (±1.45), 5.00 (±1.72), and 5.76 (±1.67) at T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the pain perception between the two methods., Conclusion: The addition of forced air cooling is not beneficial for pain reduction during the MFU-V procedure because its temperature reduction effect cannot be delivered to the deep parts of the skin, which is the target site of MFU-V., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections have increased in popularity. They are usually performed in combination with other treatment modalities, including lasers and energy-based devices, to enhance cosmetic results. Theoretically, HA and other filler injections should be performed after laser- or energy-based device treatments. In some instances, however, practitioners are asked to administer laser- or energy-based device treatment after HA dermal filler injection. There is a concerning possibility of HA filler degradation as a result of bulk heating generated by lasers or energy-based devices, especially radiofrequency (RF)., Aim: To evaluate the effect of RF treatment at different time points on HA degradation in vivo, using clinicohistological analysis., Patients/methods: Fourteen volunteers were recruited and received intradermal HA filler injections in four sites on the abdomen. One site served as the control, and the other three sites were treated with monopolar RF on the same day after injection, at 14 and 28 days post-injection. Skin biopsies were performed at baseline and 56 days after HA injection. Histopathological sections were reviewed for residual filler in the tissue., Results: The results showed that HA grading scores decreased in five (35.71%), one (7.14%), and one (7.14%) participants when RF was performed immediately, 14 and 28 days after injection, respectively., Conclusion: In conclusion, RF treatment after HA filler injection may affect the integrity of the HA filler in the tissue, especially if RF treatment was performed on the same day after HA injection., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) and hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection are increasingly popular aesthetic procedures. HA filler injection is generally recommended after MFU if combined treatment is required in a single visit. However, data regarding the safe and optimal time of MFU treatment after HA injection is still limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of HA loss when performing MFU treatment after dermal filler injection., Methods: Fourteen subjects were recruited in this pilot study. HA was injected intradermally on four 2 × 2 cm areas at the abdomen (0.25 ml/site). Site A was served as control whereas site B, C, D were treated with MFU using 1.5 mm transducer at 60 min, Day 14, and Day 28 after the injection, respectively. All experimental sites were biopsied using a 3-mm punch biopsy to evaluate the histopathological profile at baseline and Day 56. Grading of the quantity of retained HA was evaluated by a blinded experienced dermatopathologist., Results: All 14 subjects completed the study. One subject has been excluded due to the poor quality of histopathologic slides. Seven subjects (53.9%) at site B and 6 subjects (46.2%) at site C had HA loss at Day 56 compared with baseline. The mean HA grading at baseline and Day 56 was 3.7 vs. 2.8 (p < 0.001) at site B and 3.7 vs. 3.0 (p = 0.001) at site C, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the mean HA grading at baseline and Day 56 at site D (3.7 vs. 3.3, p = 0.073). No inflammation or granuloma was observed on Day 56 of the study., Conclusions: MFU treatment after HA injection appears to be safe. However, some degree of HA loss was observed if MFU treatment was done within 2 weeks after HA injection., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Various pigment-specific lasers can be used to treat solar lentigines. However, the most effective treatment options remain to be explored to reduce complications, such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in dark-skinned patients., Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety between the KTP 532-nm picosecond laser and the alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser for the treatment of solar lentigines in Asians., Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who had at least two solar lentigines on their arms were enrolled. A total of 30 paired lentiginous lesions were randomly selected for a single treatment with either a KTP 532-nm picosecond laser or an alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser. Mean luminance score (L*) was evaluated at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks to determine treatment efficacy. Improvement was assessed by a blinded physician using a 5-point score. Satisfaction was rated by patients using a visual analog scale. All adverse events were documented., Results: All 30 patients completed the study. Both lasers showed significant improvement in mean L* from baseline (p < 0.001). With the parameter settings employed, lesions treated with the alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser showed greater improvement in mean L* when compared with treatment with the KTP 532-nm picosecond laser at 12 weeks follow-up (p = 0.002). According to physician scoring, more than 50% improvement was observed in 25 and 19 lesions of the alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser group and the KTP 532-nm picosecond laser group, respectively. Adverse events did not differ between groups. A significantly higher satisfaction score was observed with the alexandrite 755-nm picosecond laser at the last visit (p = 0.038)., Conclusion: Both types of picosecond laser may be used to treat solar lentigines. Proper treatment settings and endpoint observation are the most important factor to achieve a successful outcome., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been used experimentally under various dermatological conditions. Recent studies have revealed a preventive effect of BTX-A against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin hyperpigmentation., Objective: We examined the effect of BTX-A for the treatment of UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in humans., Material and Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. UVB irradiation induced five separate hyperpigmented squares on the abdomen. Seven days after irradiation, all squares were randomly assigned to five intervention groups: control, 0.9% normal saline injection, 12 units (1:2.5), 6 units (1:5), and 4 units (1:7.5) of onabotulinum toxin injections. The lightness index (L*), hyperpigmentation improvement score rated by a blinded physician, and participant satisfaction scores were obtained at 14, 21, and 28 days after injection., Results: Fifteen participants (mean age 36.9 years, Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV) completed the study. The BTX-A (1:2.5)-treated site had a lower degree of hyperpigmentation at all time points, as measured by mean L* and hyperpigmentation improvement scores. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Participants were most satisfied with the control site., Conclusion: Intradermal BTX-A injection had no therapeutic effect on UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. However, the role of BTX-A injections in the treatment of other hyperpigmentary conditions requires further elucidation., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Hyperpigmentation is a common concern of patients in dermatology clinics. Although there are many treatment options, lasers are considered a promising therapy for various hyperpigmentary conditions., Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of alexandrite 755-nm picosecond and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1064-nm picosecond lasers for the treatment of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation in Asians., Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded study was conducted. UVB-induced hyperpigmentation was performed in three spots by narrowband UVB. After 2 weeks, these three spots were allocated into 755-treated, 1064-treated, and control sites. Patients received weekly laser treatments for five sessions. Follow-ups were scheduled at 1 and 2 months after the last session., Results: Twenty patients attended the study. Overall, 755-nm and 1064-nm picosecond lasers showed a significant improvement in the mean lightness index (L*) compared to the control site, which started at Day 49 and Day 77, respectively. The mean L* of the 755-nm-treated site was also higher than that of the 1064-nm-treated site at Day 105 (p ≤ 0.001). Initially, the mean L*, physician's visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction with the 1064-nm picosecond laser were better than those with the 755-nm picosecond laser. Nevertheless, an inversion of the mean L* and VAS was noted at Day 49, whereas the mean patient satisfaction was noted at Day 77. In the subgroup analysis, a 755-nm picosecond laser effectively treated Fitzpatrick skin types (FPTs) III and IV. However, the mean L* of the 1064-nm picosecond laser was not significantly different from that of the control for FPT4., Conclusion: The alexandrite 755-nm picosecond and Nd:YAG 1064-nm picosecond lasers appear to be effective and safe modalities for treating UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. With the setting employed in this study, the outcome after the 755-nm picosecond laser treatment seemed superior to that of the 1064-nm picosecond laser treatment, especially for FPT4., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Enlarged facial pores are a common cosmetic complaint in practice. Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) and low-degree crosslinked hyaluronic acid filler (L-HA) injection has recently become a popular procedure for skin rejuvenation. The effectiveness of the combined MFU-V and L-HA injection in the treatment of enlarged pores has not been evaluated., Objectives: To compare the efficacy of MFU-V monotherapy (single technique) and MFU-V combined with L-HA injection (combined technique) for the treatment of enlarged facial pores in Asians., Methods: We conducted a randomized, single-blinded, split-face study on participants with enlarged facial pores. Each side of the face was randomly assigned to treatment with one session of single technique or combined technique. Pore volume was objectively measured by an Antera 3D ® system. Subjective assessment was evaluated by one-blinded physician using a pore grading score (0-4). Patients rated the improvement in terms of satisfaction using the visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10)., Results: Forty-six participants completed the study. The mean pore volume of both sides declined with statistical significance at every visit compared to baseline, with the lowest mean at 4 months post-treatment. The combined technique showed a lower mean pore volume than single technique throughout the follow-ups. Physician's subjective evaluation showed no statistically significant difference between the two techniques. The patient satisfaction score showed a similar trend to the mean pore volume, with a statistically significant difference at 4 and 6 months post-treatment., Conclusions: Both techniques are effectively minimize enlarged facial pores. The combined technique resulted in more patient satisfaction., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (ITR) is a novel anti-tyrosinase recently shown to be effective in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser (LFQS) has proven to be effective for various hyperpigmentary conditions. However, there is no study on the efficacy and safety of combined ITR and LFQS treatment., Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of combined ITR and LFQS with LFQS monotherapy for facial hyperpigmentation., Materials and Methods: Patients with symmetrical facial hyperpigmentation were treated with five sessions of once weekly LFQS on the whole face. One side was randomly treated with ITR and the other side received a placebo cream for 12 weeks. Patients were followed for 8 weeks after the last laser treatment. Relative lightness index (RL*I), Facial Hyperpigmentation Severity Score on the malar area (FHSS m ), patient satisfaction, recurrence, and adverse events were recorded., Results: Twenty-four patients completed the study. Both sides demonstrated significant reductions of mean RL*I and mean FHSS m from baseline (P < .01). At the 4th week, the ITR-treated side showed more improvement of mean RL*I than the placebo-treated side (62.5% vs 47.3% improvement, P < .05). The mean FHSS m on the ITR-treated was reduced at a significantly higher percentage than the placebo-treated side (54.4% vs 40.2% reduction, P < .05). Partial recurrence was observed on both sides. No serious side effects were noted., Conclusion: Combined ITR and LFQS therapy was more superior than LFQS monotherapy in the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. ITR may serve as adjuvant for patients with such condition., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (ITR, Thiamidol ® ) has been proposed as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor. A formulation containing ITR has recently shown promising efficacy for the treatment of some hyperpigmentary conditions., Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ITR in the prevention of ultraviolet (UV)-induced hyperpigmentation in human skin., Materials and Methods: We performed a randomized, single-blinded, pilot study in 30 healthy participants. One arm was randomly assigned to receive an ITR-containing product for three weeks. Three hyperpigmented spots were induced by UVB irradiation on both arms after 3 weeks of ITR application. Outcome evaluations included measuring mean lightness index (*L) obtained by colorimeter, hyperpigmentation scores by visual analog scale (VAS), and adverse effects., Results: Both experimental sides showed no significant difference in terms of skin lightening after ITR application. However, the ITR-treated sides showed a statistically significant lower mean lightness index compared to control after an induction with UVB. In addition, the ITR-treated sides had an earlier improvement and resumed the normal skin color after 3 weeks post-UVB induction. A clinical evaluation by a blinded nontreating physician and subjects was more favorable on the ITR-treated side than the control side (P < .05). No significant side effect was noted., Conclusions: ITR is an effective agent in the prevention of pigmentary change from UVB irradiation and may serve as a promising agent for preventing other hyperpigmentary conditions., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) is a nonsurgical treatment for the improvement of skin laxity. Multiple MFU devices with and without a visualization system are commercially available., Aims: This study aims to compare the accuracy rates of MFU on target treatment areas with and without a visualization system., Patients/methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 52 dermatologists as study subjects. Each subject was asked to treat one simulated volunteer on the face and upper neck with MFU for 2 sessions using the training mode. Participants were allowed to see the ultrasound monitoring screen in one session (visualized session) and were not allowed to see the monitoring screen in the other session (nonvisualized session). One investigator evaluated the accuracy rate by monitoring real-time whether an appropriate contact between the transducer and the skin is shown on the visualization system when the energy release button is pressed., Results: Higher accuracy rates were observed in the visualized session than the nonvisualized session in all treatment areas including brow, lateral orbit, infraorbital, cheek, and upper neck. The greatest difference in accuracy rates was observed when performing the treatment on the upper neck. Participants with more experiences had higher accuracy rates while performing visualization session when compared to those who had less experiences. Visualized sessions required a significantly longer treatment time., Conclusions: The utilization of MFU with visualization system increases the likelihood of proper skin contact. This in turn may give a more favorable treatment outcome and decrease the rates of complications from MFU treatment., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, LLC.)

Background: A recent report suggested potential of high-intensity focused ultrasound in improving UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, but reports regarding its efficacy in other hyperpigmented conditions including melasma are lacking., Objectives: To investigate efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of melasma in Asians., Methods: Each side of the face of 25 melasma patients was randomized to receive 3-monthly sessions of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment or serve as control. Lightness index, Melasma Area and Severity Index of malar area (MASI m ) by blinded dermatologists, self-evaluated improvement and satisfaction scales by patients, and side effects were assessed every 4 weeks for 20 weeks., Results: Twenty-one patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV completed the study. There was a greater reduction of relative lightness index and MASI m after treatment in high-intensity focused ultrasound-treated side. However, there were no statistically significant differences between both sides. More than 50% improvement on treatment side was rated in 11 patients (52.4%). Side effects were minimal. None had worsening of melasma., Conclusions: High-intensity focused ultrasound may be an adjuvant for treatment of melasma. Further studies with larger sample size and proper parameter settings are recommended to determine its efficacy., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Trichoscopy has become a useful diagnostic tool for various hair and scalp diseases, including alopecia areata (AA) and trichotillomania (TTM), which are sometimes difficult to distinguish clinically., Objectives: To describe trichoscopic findings of AA and TTM in an Asian population and to establish diagnostic clues for these conditions., Methods: Trichoscopy was performed with a handheld dermoscope in 52 patients diagnosed with AA and 23 patients diagnosed with TTM. Trichoscopic images were then blindly evaluated., Results: The trichoscopic features more frequently observed in AA than in TTM included exclamation mark hairs (AA 59.6%, TTM 26.1%), tapered hairs (AA 59.6%, TTM 4.3%), yellow dots (AA 46.2%, TTM 21.7%), and angulated hairs (AA 26.9%, TTM 0%) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, broken hairs of different lengths (TTM 100%, AA 3.8%), trichoptilosis (TTM 78.3%, AA 5.8%), V-sign (TTM 43.5%, AA 3.8%), flame hairs (TTM 43.5%, AA 0%), and hair powder (TTM 13%, AA 1.9%) were more commonly demonstrated in TTM than in AA (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Exclamation mark hairs indicate a diagnosis of AA but not pathognomonic. In addition, angulated hairs, fractured hairs forming a sharp angle along the hair shaft, appear to be typical for AA in Asians when differentiating from TTM. It is important to consider various trichoscopic findings together to establish the diagnosis of AA or TTM., (© 2017 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Hyperpigmentation of the lips is a common condition. It is associated with a wide variety of conditions that include physiologic changes, genodermatoses, inflammatory diseases, endocrinologic disorders, drugs and chemicals, benign and malignant neoplasm, and other non-melanotic conditions. The aim of this article is to provide a clinical approach to hyperpigmented lesions on the lips based on the extent of lesions, the age of onset, and associated systemic involvements. In this review, we present an algorithm to guide the diagnosis of and plan for therapeutic intervention for pigmented lesions of the lips. The algorithm is based on the typical clinical presentation of each entity and should not be taken as an absolute indicator of diagnosis. Although the differences in color can help to differentiate among pigmented lesions, the interpretation of color can be subjective and is influenced by the amount and location of the pigment within the mucosa. The limitations of this review are that some data are based on case reports and small case series that may not reflect true association., (© 2012 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis that results in localized hyperpigmentation, commonly found on the face. This condition is much more common in women than men. There are some features of melasma in men that seem to differ from those seen in women. However, there is a paucity of data on this topic. The aim of this article is to review the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of melasma in men. It is important for dermatologists to understand some unique aspects of melasma in this group to provide appropriate care for patients who suffer from this frustrating condition., (© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: It is now widely accepted that dark-complexioned skin individuals can be safely treated with laser hair removal (LHR). However, some people are still concerned about the side effects or have been told that hair removal laser is not possible in darkly pigmented skin., Aims: To measure the knowledge and attitudes of African Americans about LHR and assess the need for additional education focusing on LHR., Patients/methods: A cross-sectional survey with questionnaire was administered to African American subjects between the ages of 21-70 years. Questions comprised attitudes and knowledge about LHR. Demographic characteristics, attitudes, and knowledge were assessed by descriptive statistics. Results were considered statistically significant if P <0.05., Results: The survey was completed by 221 African American subjects. There were only 122 subjects (55.2%) who knew that dark-skinned individuals can be treated with LHR. Only 44.3% of subjects believed that dark-skinned people are more prone to develop hyperpigmentation from LHR. Female subjects and subjects with higher educational background have a higher tendency to consider LHR as a treatment choice (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: This study shows that many African Americans still have negative attitudes and lack knowledge about LHR. The results of this study provide information that can lead to better informed dermatology providers who can then better educate patients of color regarding LHR knowledge., (© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)